Manila: Senators unanimously approved on Monday House Bill (HB) No. 10841, which seeks to fix the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant’s term of office, and Senate Bill (SB) No. 2837, which aims to extend the corporate term of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM).

According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada explained his affirmative vote by emphasizing the importance of a long-term leadership structure in the PCG. ‘This bill is an important step forward in strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard,’ Estrada said. ‘A fixed term for the commandant will ensure continuity and stability, allowing the agency to focus on long-term goals without unnecessary leadership transitions.’

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino noted that HB 10841 is vital in strengthening maritime security amid increasing geopolitical challenges. ‘We live in an era not just of turbulent waters but geopolitical tensions,’ Tolentino said. ‘This measure provides a forward-looking framework on how our maritime forces should operate, ensuring stable leadership to implement long-term plans.’

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted that a fixed term will allow the commandant to focus on long-term programs and reforms instead of being hampered by uncertainties in tenure. Senator Raffy Tulfo endorsed the measure amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, stating, ‘Our Philippine Coast Guard has been our most reliable line of defense and law enforcement support in our waters. Fixing the term of the PCG Commandant will ensure continuity not just in leadership but also in policy direction and program implementation.’

Senator Joel Villanueva also underscored the critical role of the PCG in securing the nation’s borders and combating maritime crimes. ‘We fully support the approval of this measure, which recognizes the PCG’s pivotal role in monitoring our country’s over 36,000 kilometers of shoreline,’ Villanueva said. ‘By aligning the PCG Commandant’s term with other key military and defense positions, the measure aims to fortify the institution’s ability to implement strategic, long-term reforms.’

Meanwhile, PSALM is set to undergo significant changes following the approval of SB 2837, extending its term until June 26, 2026. Under the law, PSALM Corp. may undergo restructuring, reorganization, or rightsizing as deemed necessary, in compliance with existing laws and regulations.

Senator Mark Villar expressed that ‘through this bill, we will provide PSALM five more years to give them sufficient time to settle existing obligations. This will also enable PSALM to commence asset and management plans for several significant independent power producer facilities and real estate assets.’ Established to manage the privatization of government power assets and the settlement of financial obligations of the National Power Corporation, Villar noted that PSALM has played a pivotal role in the country’s energy sector. The measure, he said, likewise aims to provide a framework for the organization’s transition or cessation of operations.